Eric Henri Kennington was born on 12 March 1888 in Chelsea, London. He studied at Lambeth School of Art, then at City & Guilds School in Kensington, London.

During World War 1 he served in the army in France and in 1916 became an Official War Artist for both World Wars. During World War 2 he worked for the Ministry of Information.

Although Kennington was best know as a sculptor, he was also a painter and draughtsman. During the war he painted many soldiers in action and in daily life. He was inspired by the heroism of the men and women during the war.

Between 1920 and 1961he exhibited at the Royal Academy in London.

He died on 13 April 1960.